Engineer, Materials

Here at Scout Motors, we're carrying forward the heritage of one of the most iconic American vehicles in history. A vehicle dating back to 1960. One that forged the path for future generations of rugged SUVs and trucks and will do so once again.

But Scout is more than just a brand, it’s a legacy steeped in a culture of exploration, caretaking, and hard work.

The Scout brand is all about respect. Respect for the past and the future by taking an iconic American brand that hasn’t been around for a while, electrifying it, digitizing it, and loading it with American innovation. Respect for communities by creating a company that stands for its people and its customers. Respect for both work and play, with vehicles that are equally at home at a camp site, a job site, or on a Tuesday commute. And respect for our customers by developing two powertrains that meet their requirements — an all-electric powertrain as well as the Harvester™ range extender powertrain which includes a built-in gas-powered generator with an estimated 500 miles of combined range.

At Scout Motors, we empower our talented, inclusive, and entrepreneurial teams to innovate. What makes a Scout employee? Someone who is a visionary and a leader, who seeks new paths and shares lessons learned. A knowledgeable doer who collaborates across the company to build better. A go-getter with unrivaled passion.

Join us at Scout Motors and be part of shaping the future of transportation. If you're ready to drive change and make history, apply now!

Overview

The Body Systems Team within Scout includes Body Structures, Closures, Ladder Frame, Interior and Exterior Trim, Lighting, Accessories, and Safety. This role is specifically assigned to the Body Structures team.

The BIW Materials Specialist is responsible for leading the evaluation of Body-in-White automotive materials, including metals, coatings, sealers, adhesives, and paint, to ensure they meet industry standards, regulatory requirements, and performance expectations. The Specialist will collaborate with engineering, suppliers, and the quality team to assess material performance and resolve issues related to material properties and processing. This role will involve the creation and/or assessment of material specifications and test procedures.  

What you’ll do

Become part of an iconic brand that is set to revolutionize the electric pick-up truck & rugged SUV marketplace by achieving the following:

• Serve as the subject matter expert and lead the development and/or evaluation of new sheet metal materials, coatings, sealers, and adhesives for automotive applications, ensuring compatibility with design and manufacturing processes.
• Ensure materials meet industry (e.g., ASTM, ISO, SAE, VDA, etc) and internal standards and regulatory requirements for safety, sustainability, and performance. Author new standards, test procedures, and requirements as necessary.
• Evaluate test results on automotive materials to assess strength, durability, corrosion resistance, and other critical properties.
• Lead the investigation of material failures and defects in components, determining causes such as fatigue, stress, or environmental exposure to determine root causes and recommend corrective actions.
• Collaborate with design, manufacturing, and quality teams to support material selection, testing protocols, and process improvements.
• Support the manufacturing team by working with engineers and suppliers in optimizing material processing techniques such as welding, casting, and stamping to improve cost efficiency, sustainability, performance and reduce defects.

Location & Travel Expectations:

• This role will be based out of the Scout Motors location in Novi, Michigan. 
• This role requires 4-5 days per week in the office, with regular in-person meetings and events. 
• Applicants should expect that the role will require the ability to convene with Scout colleagues in person and travel to participate in events on behalf of the company from time to time.

What you’ll bring 

We expect all Scout employees to have integrity, curiosity, resourcefulness, and strive to exhibit a positive attitude, as well as a growth mindset. You’ll be comfortable with change and flexible in a fast-paced, high-growth environment. You’ll take a collaborative approach to achieve ambitious goals. Here's what else you'll bring: 

• Bachelor's degree in Materials Science, Metallurgy, Chemistry, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Engineering, or a related field.
• 5+ years as a Materials Engineer supporting steel and aluminum parts for an automotive OEM or Tier 1 supplier.
• Experience in an automotive or materials testing laboratory environment preferred.
• Experience with material characterization techniques (e.g., X-ray diffraction, thermal analysis).
• Knowledge of automotive industry standards and testing methods.
• Strong knowledge of material characterization techniques (e.g., SEM, XRD, FTIR, DSC, TGA, hardness testing).
• Understanding of BIW automotive materials, including metals, coatings, sealers, adhesives, and paint.
• Ability to work with cross-functional teams, including design, manufacturing, and suppliers
• Proficiency in data analysis and reporting tools (e.g., MATLAB, Minitab, Excel).
• Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent communication and teamwork abilities.

Work Environment:

• Collaboration with cross-functional teams in engineering, manufacturing, and quality assurance.
• Potential travel to suppliers or manufacturing facilities for material assessments.

The benefits of joining Scout include the chance to build products and a company from the ground up.  This is a chance to create something new and lasting – with an iconic brand at its foundation.  In addition, Scout provides competitive compensation and benefits to support your physical, mental, and financial wellbeing. Program specifics are detailed in company policies and employee benefit guides, select highlights:

• Competitive insurance including:
  • Medical, dental, vision and income protection plans
• 401(k) program with:
  • An employer match and immediate vesting
• Generous Paid Time Off including:
  • 20 days planned PTO, as accrued
  • 40 hours of unplanned PTO and 14 company or floating holidays, annually
  • Up to 16 weeks of paid parental leave for biological and adoptive parents of all genders
  • Paid leave for circumstances related to bereavement, jury duty, voting time, or military leave

Pay Transparency

This is a full-time, exempt position eligible to receive a base salary and to participate in an annual performance bonus program. Final salary offered will be determined based on factors including but not limited to the candidate's skills and experience. The annual performance bonus program is preset and not candidate dependent.

Initial base salary range = $110,000.00 - $135,000.00
Internal leveling code: IC9

Notice to applicants:

• To be considered for career opportunities at Scout Motors, applicants must be 18 years of age or older. 
• Residing in San Francisco: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, Scout Motors will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. 
• Residing in Los Angeles: Scout Motors will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance. 
• Residing in New York City: This role is not eligible for remote work in New York City.

Equal Opportunity

Scout Motors is committed to employing a diverse workforce and is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, veteran status, disability, pregnancy, or any other characteristics protected by law. Scout Motors is committed to compliance with all applicable fair employment practice laws. If you require reasonable accommodation to complete a job application, pre-employment testing, or a job interview or to otherwise participate in the hiring process, please contact ScoutAccommodations@scoutmotors.com.